Rice and Cheese Snacks

Rice and Cheese Snacks Recipe | USA | Mozzarella | Parmesan Cheese | Marinara Sauce

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rice and Cheese Snacks are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that is perfect for any occasion. These crispy, cheesy bites are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Rice and Cheese Snacks have been a popular dish for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. This particular recipe combines the creamy texture of rice with the gooey goodness of melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering snack that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

3 cups hot cooked rice
1 cup (4 oz / 113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp seasoned salt
0.5 tsp ground white pepper
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.5 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
vegetable cooking spray
marinara sauce

How to prepare

Combine rice, mozzarella cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Allow mixture to cool to room temperature.
Shape the rice mixture into 1-inch balls or 2-inch sticks.
Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Roll the balls in the bread crumb mixture.
Place the balls on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with marinara sauce as a dip.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding in your favorite herbs or spices, such as chopped parsley, basil, or red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Rice and Cheese Snacks turn out perfectly, be sure to use hot cooked rice and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before shaping into balls or sticks. Additionally, make sure to coat the balls in the bread crumb mixture evenly for a crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Rice and Cheese Snacks are best served hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the Rice and Cheese Snacks in the oven ensures that they are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Be sure to preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Italian-style bread crumbs, you can use regular bread crumbs mixed with Italian seasoning. You can also substitute the mozzarella cheese with cheddar, Swiss, or any other type of cheese you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to shape and bake the snacks. This makes it a great make-ahead appetizer for parties or gatherings.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Rice and Cheese Snacks on a platter with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Rice and Cheese Snacks pair well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. They also go well with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Rice and Cheese Snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice and Cheese Snacks contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rice and Cheese Snacks contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rice and Cheese Snacks contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Rice and Cheese Snacks contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice and Cheese Snacks are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Rice and Cheese Snacks contain dairy (cheese and eggs) and gluten (bread crumbs).

Summary

Rice and Cheese Snacks are a tasty and satisfying snack that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice and Cheese Snacks are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior, these snacks are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Rice and Cheese Snacks. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was an incredible cook, always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. As we chatted over a cup of steaming tea, she suddenly pulled out a worn, stained piece of paper from her recipe box.

"Have you ever tried making these Rice and Cheese Snacks, dear?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I shook my head, intrigued by the unusual combination of rice and cheese. Maria explained that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had inherited it from a dear friend who had traveled to distant lands and brought back exotic recipes. The thought of generations passing down this secret recipe filled me with a sense of nostalgia and curiosity.

Maria graciously offered to teach me how to make the Rice and Cheese Snacks, and I eagerly accepted the challenge. We gathered the ingredients - fragrant jasmine rice, sharp cheddar cheese, and a medley of herbs and spices. Maria guided me through the process, her hands deftly mixing and shaping the ingredients into small, bite-sized snacks.

As the Rice and Cheese Snacks baked in the oven, a tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen. The golden-brown snacks emerged from the oven, crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Maria and I eagerly sampled our creation, savoring the creamy cheese and aromatic rice. The combination of flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a perfect blend of savory and comforting.

From that moment on, the Rice and Cheese Snacks became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time I prepared the snacks, I would think of Maria and her grandmother, grateful for the gift of their shared recipe.

Over the years, I made small tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding a sprinkle of paprika here, a dash of garlic there. The Rice and Cheese Snacks became a canvas for my creativity, a dish that I could personalize and make my own.

As I grew older, I passed the recipe down to my children and grandchildren, sharing the story of how I learned to make the Rice and Cheese Snacks from my dear friend Maria. The recipe became a link to the past, a connection to the generations of cooks who had come before me.

Today, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Rice and Cheese Snacks for a family gathering, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and joy. The familiar scents of cheese and rice fill the air, bringing back memories of afternoons spent with Maria in her kitchen.

I am reminded of the power of food to connect us, to bring us together in shared moments of joy and celebration. And as I take a bite of a warm, crispy Rice and Cheese Snack, I am grateful for the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones.

In the end, it is not just the recipe itself that matters, but the stories and memories that it carries with it. The Rice and Cheese Snacks will always be more than just a dish - they are a reminder of the friendships, traditions, and love that have enriched my life. And for that, I am truly thankful.